City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. Thank you.

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the September 14th meeting of the Aiken City Council. If you're inclined, please rise for the invocation followed by the pledge. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in the city of Aiken the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. In your name we pray. Amen. Would you lead us in the pledge, please?

Good evening, Mayor and Council. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

As the meeting begins, I will review the guidelines. Meetings are public forums in which many opinions are expressed and the business of the city must be conducted. As such, disciplined, honorable, and professional decorum is paramount. Courteous and respectful communication is required. During public hearings, all questions and statements from the public shall be directed to the chair. If you wish to speak, raise your hand and I will recognize you. Please approach the podium and state your name and address. In order to allow an opportunity for everyone who wishes to address council, speakers should limit their comments to the subject being discussed. Each speaker will be given five minutes to address an issue and may only address an issue once unless questions from council are posed to the speaker. During the non-agenda public comment section, each speaker has three minutes and can only speak once. We now move to additions and deletions to the agenda. I recognize Mayor Pro Tem Kay Brohl for this agenda item.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Good evening, everyone. We're glad you're here this evening. There are no additions or deletions to the agenda, Madam Mayor, so I make a motion that be accepted as it was printed.

Thank you so much. Councilman Brohl made the motion. Is there a second, please?

Second, Madam Mayor.

Thank you. Councilwoman Morgan made the second. All those in favor? Thank you. The minutes were provided to council for review prior to the meeting. Is there a motion for approval of the minutes?

I so move.

Thank you, Councilwoman Diggs. May the motion? Second, Madam Mayor. A second from Councilwoman Price. Any comments or changes? All those in favor? Thank you. There are two presentations tonight. The first presentation is a proclamation designating Constitution Week, and we have all these people here to celebrate Constitution Week. Councilwoman Broll, would you read one of the proclamations? We will be awarding one, two, three, five, I believe. All right.

I will be reading. This will be given to all five of them. Thank you. excuse me, whereas the United States Constitution secures the blessings of liberty and justice for all Americans, and whereas September 17th marks the 239th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution by the Constitutional Convention, and whereas it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it. And whereas learning about the principles of the Constitution allows us to reflect on the rights and the privileges of citizenship. Now therefore, I, Teddy Milner, Mayor of the City of Aiken and the City Council do hereby designate September 17th, 2026 as Constitution Day and September 17th through 23rd, 2026 as Constitution Week in Aiken and we encourage all of our citizens to renew and deepen their appreciation for this unique and precious heritage that was passed on to us by our founding fathers through the United States Constitution. And if you would come forward, we have copies.

Have all of council come down for photographs, please. Thank you.

And we'll start with William Stroud, Children of the American Revolution Society.

I don't know that it says. Does it say? Does it say?

Good to see you again. Oh, they can hide. I'm sorry. We're showing our age, aren't we? That's all right. We look good by our age. We look good. Come on. Hi. Hello.

We can get to hold them.

How are you? There you go. Come on.

Okay, next we'll have the Esther Marion chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Daughters of the American Revolution. I love it. That's what I'm talking about. That's a good picture. Excuse me. One more. One more.

Okay, and next we'll have the Henry Middleton Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. And now we'll have the Trenton Daughters of the American Revolution chapter.

Hi, hello ladies. Hi, how are you? You look pretty. Robin, get in here. Hey, why am I holding this? Come on. There you go. Okay.

And lastly, the Henry Lawrence chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

all right congratulations thank you thank you

Would you like to talk about Constitution Week?

Yes, please.

Okay, please do so.

Good evening, Ms. Mayor and Aiken City Council members. Thank you for this proclamation for the week of September 17th through the 23rd as Constitution Week. Constitution Week was enacted on August 2nd, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The purpose is to promote the study and education about the United States Constitution as it is the basis for all our laws as well as our great heritage. In saying that this is the 250th anniversary of this nation, it is no time better. Once again, thank you for this proclamation.

I've got a question. Years ago, y'all gave these little Constitution books. A little book. A little book. Was that you, Robin? This is what I got. That's what I have. No, they've got the little book.

Oh, I got that.

Bring us some.

Okay. Thank you. Would you like to, Mr. Waddell, speak about Constitution Week? Anyone else? Okay. All right. That is great. Thank you all. Thank you very much. We like that. Thanks a lot. All right. Thank you for being here. Our next presentation is one from Aiken Regional Hospital to recognize the Aiken Department of Public Safety officers for their response to an active shooter situation at the hospital on August 25th this year. Will representatives from Aiken Regional Police come forward? OK. Well, thank you all for what a wonderful response and such a positive experience for the hospital. Appreciate it.

I don't see anybody from the hospital, but I would like to just a minute to talk about the event that happened the 25th of this last month. In that evening, a call came in to our dispatch center. Actually, we got a fire alarm call at first. Turned in too quickly that there was somebody on the third floor shooting a weapon. And this is not the call that you want to get. This is not... But it is something that we train for on a regular basis, and some of the folks in the back of the room were the first folks on scene. In coordination with other law enforcement agencies, the hospital staff brought it quickly under control and then some time to make sure there wasn't anybody else involved, but really. I get to brag on them all the time. I was hoping somebody else could brag on them, but I couldn't let this event go by and this opportunity without bringing some of the spotlight, specifically Lieutenant Bethman, who is here tonight. He was the incident commander that night. Others that responded to the scene are there, and I just wanted a heartfelt welcome from our community, but I get to see this every day. I'm really proud of them.

Thank you.

You're substituting. You're the guy.

Are we doing a V?

No. Make sure we can see you. Make sure we can see you. Can you see all of our public safety net?

You're the ones that should be in front. Yeah, Mark, you get in front.

Yeah.

Okay, here we go. One, two, three. One, two, three.

Thank you.

Hey, before y'all get out of here, on behalf of the city manager's office, I just want to tell y'all how much we appreciate you and everything that you do for us every day. You know, not just on the days that you guys do these heroic things, but you're behind us every day and we appreciate it.

Now we open the floor to public comments on non-agenda items. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker and for a total of 30 minutes. Good evening. I feel like it's been months since you've been here. I know.

Council, it's so good to see you all. Madam Mayor, Lex Perry, 1526 South Boundary Avenue, Southeast, pastor of C4 Impact Ministry. I just want to give you a quick update. We did open up. I wasn't thinking we were going to open another one this year, but it may end up being more than one. But we did open another house. So we have our seventh location. It was a men's house. That brings our capacity for 36 adults now. And I do think we're going to end up with a couple more. Part of that reason is because we have some other organizations that have some changes made and they're going to be closing some spots and we're getting more calls. I will say one of the things we're seeing more of is calls for families and you know that's been on my heart the things I've been praying about I mean bringing that to you but we we are getting more calls not just like single mothers and children things like that but families coming in with with senior parents as well So it's getting more complex. And I just, again, continue to seek your help and support, which you've been generously giving, which I greatly appreciate, allowing us to, my wife and I, the privilege of being able to serve the community this way. We're very, very happy and very, very lucky to be able to serve. in the manner that you allow us to do so. But we are still seeking out space to keep increasing for families. So I just wanted to let you know that and maybe reaching out to you to see if you have any ideas. We're ready to do the work. I think we are getting more backing from individuals in the community who's willing to do that. But just know that we're on the forefront and we're willing to do the work. So please just allow us to continue to do what we're doing. We greatly appreciate it.

Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else would like to say something? Oh, I was just saying thank you, and I wanted to know if anyone else would like to say something. Oh, okay.

Madam Mayor, I see Teresa Callahan out there. Last time you were here, Teresa, you had an issue I didn't quite understand. Okay. All right. Just wanted to make sure.

Yes, sir. Good evening.

My name is Leroy Ross, 5021 Durango Pine Lane, and I wanted to ask about the New Hope, the sale of New Hope Apartments. Okay. Okay, okay. I was under the impression that the sale was going to be through the city. Yes. Yes. Okay, all right, thank you.

You're welcome.

Just to give you a little bit more detail, the only thing that we work with with the Housing Authority is the appointee of board members. But other than that, all the decisions that take place is through the Housing Authority, and you're sitting with the chair of the committee right now, okay? Thank you.

Well know if there are no other comments I will move on. To the consent agenda. We'll move to the approval of the consent agenda. Mister Kirkland, will you please read the titles of the items on the agenda into the record.

Yes, mayor, we have 7 items on the consent agenda and no request to remove any of the items the items are as follows. First in ordinance to sign a contributing designation to property located at 5 to 4. Cooker Springs Road. Second, an ordinance to annex property located at 915 Osmond Drive and to zone the same residential single family or S15. Third, an ordinance to annex property located at 1115 Conger Drive and to zone the same residential single-family RS-15. Fourth, an ordinance to annex property located at 909 Osmond Drive and to zone the same residential single-family RS-15. Fifth, an ordinance to annex property located at 1104 Hampton Avenue Northwest and to zone the same residential single-family RS-10. Sixth, an ordinance authorizing the City of Aiken to waive its right of first refusal in the property owned by Avara Management Services, LLC and located in Aiken Airport Industrial Park. And seventh, a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a deed of dedication from AWB Real Estate, LLC. That is the consent agenda for this evening. Madam Mayor.

Thank you for that. Is there a motion?

Motion made to adopt.

Councilwoman Price made the motion. I second. A second from Councilwoman Diggs. There was no comments from the consent agenda, so we will go right to a vote. All those in favor? Thank you. It is unanimous. We now have approval and discussion of appointees to various city boards committees and commissions, Mister Kirkland.

Yes, mayor. I would like to mention that council member Waldo has requested that the appointment of Harrison how for the housing authority board to be tabled until another meeting. So for city boards, commissions, and committees, for council consideration and public comment is the reappointment of John Owen and Dr. Anne Cerno-Arthur to the General Aviation Commission, Angela Fleming to the Community Development Committee, and Joshua Bolin and Josh Raines to the Recreation Commission. These are before council this evening, Madam Mayor.

Thank you. Is there a motion to accept these nominations?

I so move, Madam Mayor.

Thank you. Councilwoman Breaux made the motion.

I second, Madam Mayor.

Councilwoman Morgan seconded the motion. Comments from the public? Comments from council? All those in favor? Thank you. Are there any nominations to consider at our next meeting? I have a reappointment of LJ McGee, please. And his term is not quite up, but he's going to be my appointee for the Community Development Committee. Okay. The final item under old business is second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to rezone five acres located at 102 Gaston Road Northeast from industrial to plan commercial and approve a concept plan. Mr. Kirkland.

Yes, Mayor. An ordinance amending the zoning of property located at 102 Gaston Road Northeast from industrial I to plan commercial PC and to approve a concept plan. The applicant is requesting rezoning of five acres located at 102 Gaston Road Northeast from industrial to plan commercial and approval of a concept plan. The applicant is proposing four duplex residential buildings with a total of 20 units. That's 20 total bedrooms. The commercial zoning is due to the proposed short-term lodging. In accordance with the policy of council, the property must comply with the planned commercial zoning. For any development in the planned commercial zone, a concept plan must be reviewed by the planning commission and approved by city council. Highfields LLC is proposing to build four duplex units. There will be two units with two bedrooms and two units with three bedrooms. It is felt that guests that frequent Highfields will find onsite lodging an enhancement to their stay. With the city paved road access off Gaston Road, guests will find easy access in a quiet environment. With short-term event-driven guest occupancy, the trip volume will be minimal. Once the guests arrive, they will be on the 75-acre facility and can access their horses' stabling or the concert venue on foot or by golf cart without access to public roads. The parcel is currently partially developed with an office building, which will remain. The concept plan proposes a parking area in the middle of the duplex buildings. The plan appears to provide 16 spaces, which would be two less than the parking text amendment recently approved by Council. The plan does not provide for passive or active recreation, but the parcel is adjacent to Highfields Equestrian and Music Events Facility for which the temporary housing is associated. Plan commercial projects require that any freestanding signs be monument type. The location of the proposed duplexes in parking lot will significantly reduce the existing tree canopy. An existing tree survey and a landscaping plan will be required to confirm that the removed tree canopy will be replaced by conserved and proposed trees. The concept plan shows a shared driveway with the existing on-site office building, which assesses Gaston Road. Since the proposed lodging is associated with adjoining Highfields Events Center, pedestrian traffic between the two properties is anticipated. The South Carolina Department of Transportation maintained section of Gaston Road is a paved two-way street that is able to accommodate the traffic expected to be generated by the proposed development. City sanitary sewer and water lines are located along Gaston Road. Sewer capacity will be subject to approval by the County Public Services Authority. The concept plan does not denote the proposed open space percentage, but staff estimates about 75% of the property will remain undeveloped. The concept plan shows a minimal 30-foot separation between the proposed duplexes, which complies with the required Separation standards. The property is not adjacent to any properties owned or used residentially. So landscaped screen buffers are not required. A planning strip varying in depth between 10 feet and 25 feet and street trees are required along gas and road frontage. Daily trip generation will depend upon events at the adjacent Highland Fields Event Center. After review by the planning commission at their August 11th, 2026 meeting, the commission recommended by a vote of five to zero. Approval of the rezoning from industrial to planned commercial. The commission also recommended approval of the concept plan with the following conditions. One, that the number of parking spaces and parking lot dimensions comply with applicable zoning ordinance standards. Two, that either the existing single lane section of the driveway be improved for two-way traffic with SCDOT permit or striped and posted for one-way movement. Three, that an all-weather pedestrian path be provided between the duplexes and the northern Highfields Event Center property line. Four, that the development complies with the required minimum building setbacks. Five, that the development complies with all applicable tree preservation and landscaping standards of the zoning ordinance. Six, that the applicant submits a revised concept plan stating the conditions of approval. And seven, that the applicant signs an agreement stating the conditions of approval. City of Council approved this ordinance on first reading at the August 24th, 2026 meeting for Council consideration of second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to rezone five acres of 102 Gaston Road Northeast from industrial to planned commercial and approval of the concept plan with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission.

Thank you very much. Is there a motion to approve this. I so move. Thank you Councilman digs and second from Councilman role. Are there any comments from the public. Comments from Council. All those in favor. Thank you it is unanimous we're very excited for you. We now move to new business. The first item is first reading and public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the city of Aiken to grant an easement to Dominion Energy South Carolina. Mr. Kirkland.

Yes, Mayor. We have an ordinance authorizing the city of Aiken to grant an easement to Dominion Energy South Carolina Incorporated. Dominion Energy South Carolina is requesting an easement across the city-owned property off Burgundy Road Southwest to fulfill an underground service request for Aiken Railway. City staff and the city attorney have reviewed the easement request and recommend its approval. So, for council consideration, it's first reading and public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the city of Aiken to grant an easement for utility access to Dominion Energy.

Thank you. Do I have a motion to approve this? I so move, Madam Mayor. Councilman Brohl made the motion. Second. Second. Thank you from Councilman Diggs. Any comments from the public? Comments from council? All those in favor?

Thank you.

The next item is first reading of an ordinance to approve a development agreement with Malia Kelker for property located at 120 Lawrence Street Southwest. Mr. Kirkland.

Yes, Mayor. We have an ordinance authorizing the city of Aiken to enter into a property development agreement with Malia Cochler. The city of Aiken has been in discussions with Malia and a prospective buyer regarding her property at 120 Lawrence Street Southwest, which includes two apartments and an office space. Six parking spaces on the planted property currently serve this use and are accessed via B Lane. If the city ultimately closes B Lane to vehicular traffic, these six spaces would become inaccessible. As a condition of sale, the city has discussed with Ms. Cochler, the prospective buyer, a development agreement in lieu of a cash payment to the property owner. Under the proposed agreement, the city would provide, one, eight reserved parking spaces on the ground floor of the parking deck located as close to the property as practical, and two, design cost assistance to bring the property into a style congruent with the rest of B Lane, consistent with the vision for the Hotel Oliver redevelopment. This agreement would take effect only if B Lane is ultimately closed to motor vehicle traffic. The timeliness of this request is related to the potential real estate transaction between the current owner and the prospective buyer. So for council consideration is first reading of an ordinance to approve a development with Malia Cochler for property located at 120 Lawrence Street Southwest.

Thank you for that is there a motion please to.

Yes, madam mayor of the motion. To adopt this on first reading of this ordinance.

Thank you from councilman price. And a second a second madam second from councilman Morgan. Any comments from the public. Comments from the council.

Madam mayor. Excuse me, I have just one. thing that kind of stuck out to me is that there's currently six parking spaces with the property and they're asking for eight out of our parking garage i'm perfectly okay with giving them six but this is more than what they have now so for me that's a little bit of an issue

The other day, but I guess I missed Kevin.

I thought it was what says here. They currently have 8 or 6 and they're asking for 8 reserve parking spaces in the garage.

If I understand maybe I'm so she must want to for maybe herself.

I don't know. I mean, I'm okay with it, but I think if we give them what they have, they're not losing anything. Maybe I'm misinterpreting it. I don't know how my colleagues.

You're not misinterpreting it.

Okay.

My recommendation is that we approve the aid if there is a change, we could alter that at our second reading on this. I'll go along with that.

Thank you. Madam Mayor, my concern or question along with the six to eight was making sure that the other business, the Antique Mall and the Center for the Arts has access if they're closing B Lane. That was my concern. Could we address that or just have some further information?

Right. Well, I guess her premise is the fact that people actually will live.

Right. No, I understood that. I'm just, when we're closing B Lane, I know that the Center for the Arts uses that B Lane a lot, and I'm just concerned for the other businesses as we're discussing it. I know Stuart has discussed it. I just was trying to get that information.

Well, we've been in a number of meetings with Malia, And the parking that they have right now, they own that space. Now, do they own parking in the back as well, the other space?

I just know that there's the contemplation of closing B Lane, and that was just, this as to Malia's, the Kelker, I'm okay with a six at least right now, and I'm for this motion, but I'm also asking for public understanding as we're looking at it, can we address, with the closing of B Lane, are we affecting what other businesses are being affected in access?

tonight, but continue it. And address that. That's what I was at the second reading. Exactly. Thank you.

Right, right. Okay. Well, if there are no more comments from council, then we'll go to the vote. All those in favor on the first reading? Thank you. It's unanimous. The final item under new business this evening is first reading and public hearing of an ordinance amending ordinance number 02092026E. Mr. Kirkland.

Thank you, Mayor. Yes, we have an ordinance amending ordinance number 02092026E. On February 9th, 2026, Aiken City Council unanimously approved ordinance number 02092026E, which approved the rezoning of Aiken County Board of Education property at 232 and 274 East Pine Log Road to planned institutional and approved a concept plan with the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission. This item is before you now to request an additional 90 days to meet those said conditions. The Aiken County Board of Education is actively working with SCDOT and requests an additional 90 days to complete that process. As you may recall, the Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend Council approve approval of the rezoning to planned institutional and approval of the concept plan with the following conditions. One, that SCDOT approve the proposed street realignment and driveway connections. Two, that should the school district acquire the state rights of way transversing the campus, a recombination plat shall be submitted for administrative review and the planned institutional zoning district boundaries shall be recognized as following the revised subject property boundaries. And three, that the applicant signs an agreement stating the conditions of approval within 180 days. Council is being asked to amend condition number three in section two of the ordinance to read as follows. Three, that the applicant signs an agreement stating the conditions of approval within 270 days. So they'd be getting an additional 90 days. So for council consideration is first reading and public hearing of an ordinance to amend ordinance number 02092026E. Thank you. Thank you.

I have a motion, please. I so move.

I second, Madam Mayor.

Thank you. Councilwoman Diggs made the motion, and Councilwoman Morgan seconded it. Are there comments from the public? Comments from council? All those in favor? Thank you. We have 3 but items for petitions and requests tonight the first item is approval of a resolution to apply for grant funding from the municipal Association of South Carolina's impact fund big idea grant Mister Kirkland.

Yes, Mayor. Resolution committing the City of Aiken to providing a local match for Municipal Association of South Carolina Impact Fund Big Idea Grant and following its procurement policy when securing services and products with grant funds. The Municipal Association of South Carolina launched its Impact Fund in 2025 to provide grant funding for innovative municipal projects advancing change and transformation. The Big Idea grants are for projects with a cost of up to $100,000 with a 5% match from the city. The city's grants administrator, Camille Sanchez, working with Aiken Department Public Safety Chief Charles Barranco and his staff seek council's approval to apply for the Big Idea grant via resolution, which is a requirement of the grant application. ADPS seeks funding for the proposed Drone as a First Responder project. It's an innovative project approach using drone technology to respond to emergencies. So the total project cost is expected to be $97,780.90 with a city match of $4,889.05, which is available in the current budget. So for council consideration is approval of a resolution authorizing the city of Aiken to apply for grant funding from the Municipal Association of South Carolina's Impact Fund Big Idea Grant to expand the Aiken Department of Public Safety's drone program.

Thank you. Is there a motion to approve this resolution? So moved, Madam Mayor, that we approve this. Councilwoman Price? And I'll second, Madam Mayor. And a second from Councilwoman Burrell. Any comments from the public? Comments from Council. I have one come.

Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead and go. I'm totally in support of this. Anything that helps protect our officers, which this will do and gives them expediency at a scene that needs immediate attention. And I also want to brag. I didn't speak before on our public safety. And I should have said this before your command staff left. You all do an exceptional job of keeping us safe and put your lives on the line every day. Chief, thank you. And please let all of your officers know that we appreciate them very, very much.

Thank you. I'd like to add to that not only Do they keep us safe? But they're so good about volunteering and participating in community activities and programs. And I don't know what we would do without you. When we have our events at Rural Health Services, they provided the spray truck, all kinds of trainings to... our staff and employees over the years. And even when we had the food giveaways, I know that was a big headache because we had traffic backed up in four different directions. And some people wasn't that nice, but they always show up and make sure that everything gets done properly. And we really, really appreciate that. And, Chief, we also appreciate your participation in our annual lupus walk every year. You show up, and they look forward to you showing up every year. And when you're not there, they don't even want to start. So thank you so much for giving up your time as well.

It is a big idea, and I'm thrilled. You deserve to have this grant. So we will now vote in favor. Yes. All those in favor. I did. Yes. All those in favor. Thank you. It is unanimous. On to the grant. Thank you. The next item is approval of a resolution accepting a pathway easement in Aiken Town Park from SE Aiken, that's Southeast Aiken, I guess, LLC. SE Aiken LLC and GO Aiken LLC. Mr. Kirkland.

Yes, we have a resolution authorizing the acceptance of pathway easement from SE Aiken LLC and GO Aiken LLC. Each have offered to convey to the city of Aiken a pathway easement located in the development known as Aikentown Park on Whiskey Road. The property that is being conveyed to the city is to be used as a recreational walking and exercise pathway for public use. SC Aiken LLC and Geo Aiken LLC have completed improvements associated with the redevelopment of the former Aiken Mall area. These improvements include installation of a public walking and exercise path. For the city to formally assume responsibility for maintenance and public use, the developers are conveying a permanent pathway easement for the path. You may recall that in 2018, the agreement with SE Aiken LLC was that we would pay one million in exchange for construction of this pathway. So we are pleased that it is completed and we will now see this pathway maintained by our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Our engineering staff have reviewed the pathway easement agreement and easement plat and has determined that the facilities including all access easements to the city of Aiken meets city requirements for acceptance. So for council consideration is approval of a resolution accepting the pathway easement in the Aiken Town Park on Whiskey Road from SE Aiken LLC and Geo Aiken LLC to be used as a recreational walking and exercise path for public use.

Thank you. Do I have a motion to accept this resolution? I so move, Madam Mayor. Councilman Brohl made the motion. I second. Second from Councilman Diggs. Any comments from the public? comments from Council.

Madam mayor Mike question is this pathway will cross over some of the major roads going in do we have a report or what is good the signs and the protection for the pedestrians as they're walking across. It's kind of like Odell Weeks. When we turn in, you know, they have to stop. My concern is it looks like there are different places that the traffic is going to be coming through and what are our procedures or protection for those. Since it's a public walkway and we want to encourage public participation.

Thomas, is this something that you've reviewed?

Sorry Thomas.

Good evening.

So, yes, that was part of the review and planning. We reviewed it as well. Each one of them, if they're all are marked and they all have signs, whether or not they're a stop condition for the pedestrian or if it's a stop condition for the vehicle. So, yeah, and they're all pedestrian marks and everything else on the way. So, yeah, crosswalks. Does that answer your question?

I hope so, yes, I think so. I just drove by and was concerned before that there weren't a lot of notice for the drivers going in.

I'd love to go out there and look at it and review it with you. Okay, that'd be great. See if there's something more we need to do.

Because I just know how difficult it is sometimes with Odell Weeks coming in and out, people making sure they see the walkers, and knowing that we want to encourage public people, the public use of this track. So, I'd be glad to. Thanks, Thomas. Sure.

Thank you. Any other comments? All those in favor? Thank you. It's unanimous. The final item on tonight's agenda is approval of a resolution accepting a deed for amphitheater use in Aiken Town Park from SE Aiken LLC. Mr. Kirkland.

Thank you, Mary. We have a resolution authorizing the acceptance of property from SE Aiken LLC. They've offered to convey parcel F containing 2.3 acres in Aiken Town Park to the city of Aiken. This property is to be used for public green space and amphitheater use. The intent of this conveyance is to provide the city with dedicated green space and an amphitheater to support public recreation, community events, and long-term development objectives in the surrounding redevelopment area. City staff feels that acceptance of this property is aligned with the city's goal of expanding public amenities, enhancing community gathering spaces, and promoting overall health, safety, welfare, and economic vitality. Our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will maintain this property for our city residents to enjoy. Our engineering staff has reviewed the limited warranty deed and plat and has determined that both meet city requirements for acceptance. So for public or for council consideration is approval of a resolution accepting a deed from SE Aiken LSC for parcel F in Aikentown Park on Whiskey Road with a property to be used for public green space and amphitheater.

Thank you to have a motion to accept the approval of the resolution except I don't know.

Councilman Diggs made the motion and I'll second man a mayor a second from Councilman role.

Any comments from the public. Comments from Council.

I think isn't there already is excuse me isn't there already a kind of a covering near where the amphitheater is yeah, I noticed when I go by there so finished. That'll be another venue that can be used, which will be great.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm supportive of this. I'm concerned about our staff, Parks and Rec. I'm concerned about what Thomas does and his staff. And we don't seem to be discussing what's taking place with our staff. and the hours that those employees spend if you're using the current staff load, and their wages as well. So those are my greatest concerns. I support this, but I am getting some concerns from the public as well.

Agreed. If I may. Certainly.

Certainly. Fair comments. I appreciate those. I would like to mention that the maintenance PRT intends to subcontract that out, so it won't be city.

thank you jessica very good enough is enough good good question yeah good question i and mayor if i may i agree with the councilwoman price it seemed like we just are always giving parks and rec more and more and more to do but i'm so happy to hear that that's going to be subbed down and not another thing added to their list of to-do's very good um so uh on that all those in favor

I thank Lex for clarifying that for me as well.

Although it's unanimous and that is passed. We now open the floor to public comments on non-agenda items. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker and for a total of 30 minutes. Good evening, Jacob. How are you?

Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, Jacob Ellis, Aiken. I missed the last several meetings, but I'm glad to be back. The parking garage was brought up tonight within reference to the parking spaces that Malia's will be losing. And because they own those spaces and we, the city, are buying them, we have to do something to reciprocate. And I understand all that, but Councilwoman Morgan brought up the point about the other businesses. that will be affected, Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken Antique Mall. When this happens, I think it is setting a bad precedent because what's stopping other businesses from down the road saying once the parking garage is built that their parking is affected, we need spaces. We need areas for all our people to go to. We have a limited number of spaces in this parking garage, and a huge chunk is already going to the hotel, which I am grateful for because I've fought to save the hotel and i understand that but like i said the precedence that it is setting i feel starts a slippery slippery slope that we need to be careful of to see what other businesses will start clamoring for those parking spaces that are very needed in downtown aiken And with the parking garage spaces comes the security aspect of the parking garage. Who is the security going to fall to? Because our men and women of law enforcement and Chief Barranco do such a fantastic job protecting us. I would hate to have that fall to them to add to their strain. So those are my two concerns, and I thank you all very much, and I'm glad to be back. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Jacob. Good to see you.

Can I make a comment regarding that? The key here with Malia's is where the parking takes place with her residence and the staff, she owns that space. I don't know about the others that you're addressing, if they're parking back there, whether they own that space, but that has been the meeting that we've had regarding her potential owners, in addition to some of the real estate folks as well. So that is what we will cover at our next meeting at the second reading.

And Mayor, if I can just expand on that a little bit. We're not actually giving Malia these parking spaces in return for the city keeping this property. She gets to keep the real estate where the parking spaces are currently located. She'll be able to use that real estate. The purpose of the agreement is to recognize that the city's decision, if they do decide to go forward with the closure of B Lane, is going to deny vehicles access to those parking spots they wouldn't be able to get to them so we're not buying them from her we're just basically saying you're not going to be able to get to those spots anymore so this is to compensate her for not being able to use those parking spots that is correct

Okay. Yes. Mayor Scott. Oh, hi. Hi, Rick.

Good evening. Rick Cram, 118 Surry Circle. I appreciated what you said, Ms. Morgan, about B Lane. I've leased the Center of Arts many times, and we used to have our annual awards banquet set up there, and so we had to rent a lot of tables, chairs, and things. with the caterer and all that to have 150, 180 guests gather in that space. And that, I thought it was an alley, but I guess it has a name. B Lane is so important for access to get the material into the Center of Arts. You can't bring it through the front door. I guess you could, but that would be pretty cumbersome with all the artifacts and everything that they have on display there for retail. So closure of that lane would significantly hurt the Center of Art for accessing or allowing that facility be able to be used by public for different functions.

Mr. Krim, the expectation if it closes, which we're a long way from that occurring, would be that back of the house type of deliveries like you're talking about would be time restricted and still be allowed.

So there would still be access? Yes.

There would still be access at times of the day to allow for events like you're talking about.

Pardon my naivety. I haven't seen a plan or what the parking garage is. Second note, just to mention, if it's been considered in the parking garage construction for the thought process of having oversized parking areas for duallys for pickup trucks for larger vehicles that Occupy a lot of of downtown parking spaces currently and I think with the equestrian activity growing as much as it is in our County and That that would be a consideration or for somebody to put forward to whoever's constructing that. I don't know if the top level or something maybe. I know that they have a similar situation that they did in Nashville when they built this last parking garage there. They considered those wider spaces and deeper spaces for duallys.

That's been brought up several times. We have not overlooked your location and others that may need deliveries, and there's been several discussions in terms of options for those deliveries. So that's not been overlooked at all. Super. Thank you for mentioning it.

Lex Perry, 1526 South Boundary Avenue, Southeast. Just a quick question about the park area that you were talking about, so far as adding. I was interested in it because we talked about the clean team, C4 clean team. possibly to be something of non-specialized cleaning that needed to be done. This is a great way for us to put individuals that we're helping to work, folks who are still in our approach phase so far as they haven't yet got a job. We've already started doing some cleaning projects. We've accepted some of those already, and I think our team is doing a great job, and we continue to get them. But I think maybe this will be another opportunity if it's trying to trash clean up, general cleaning, things like that, be a great opportunity for us to put those individuals that we have in our program to work. So, again, if we could revisit that proposal that I put out, I'd love to be able to talk to you about it.

That's a wonderful idea.

Wonderful idea.

Thank you. Ms. Teresa?

Good evening.

Madam Mayor, City Council, when you asked me what did I say the last time, I don't know, honestly. It's always the same grumble that I have with the city and county wanting to have a meeting with city and county having a meeting together because of the area that we live in, Hampton, Pinecrest, we have the donut hoes, which may get fixed one day, possibly, may not. But I will definitely keep asking everybody to get together because Aiken is Aiken. Even though we're separated with county, but of course I go to county meetings, but I like this meeting because you get to come up at county meetings You have to wait until everything is over to try to get up and say something, and sometimes you don't have the time to wait it out. So I did speak with Gary Bunker sometime back via email, and he said he was up to doing so, but nothing ever happened at this point. And then I think I got so upset when I came up here because my girls that normally come with me, they left, and they said they're never coming back again. And so I was trying to convince them and they said they were very disappointed because nothing ever happens and we say the same things and et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. So I'll be the lone sheep. I told them hopefully they'll come back with me and we'll come together like we do. But we're losing hope. But I still keep the faith.

give up on us but well let me just say Teresa's in my district and there are a number of things that have that they've requested not much has been done I am being asked how much budget money that we have has been spent in various areas of the northeast and northwest side of town. Where is the investment? She's requested for two years on Hampton and Lawrence Street some sort of marker so that will stop the traffic concern and accidents occurring. So it's those kinds of things that It's mentioned in these meetings. It's mentioned to several of us, and not much happens.

Correct.

And that's when hope disappears. That's when people are very disappointed that they're not seeing the same things, the same things that they're asking for. It's being done in other parts of the municipality, but not in those areas that are low income, that feel abandoned.

Correct.

And... feel like nobody's really concerned.

Correct. Even when you Google AI, it even now says the north side is parvished. I was blown away when I read that, when I Googled what is the north side of Aiken.

But I will tell you on a positive note, and people are not, oftentimes you see the negative and not the positive. Growth is taking place in terms of housing and so forth on the northeast and the northwest side of town. It's not totally lost, but the maintenance that you're concerned about in terms of the appearance, I'm getting concerned about how Richland Avenue looks, both on the east side and west side, if you're coming from Augusta, how that appearance looks, how it looks on the east side if you're coming from Augusta. I whatever these places are, but they're looking at northeast and northwest and the maintenance in the other parts of our town as well.

So and I hope we can get those arrows.

Well, you mentioned that at our last meeting and you've mentioned you've been talking about this now for about a year and a half, two years. But this was also mentioned many years prior to your coming into your status right now with senior citizens. And we talked about roundabouts. Those roundabouts never took place. And you mentioned the arrows that would give better and ease at folks making left turns, right turns, and then going left. from south to north.

I sit there and watch sometimes and folks just don't know what to do.

Yeah.

Yeah. So I do just the kick seats just to see what they're going to do. And because we do need something, whether it's a market on the ground, something, something temporary until something permanent can happen at least.

We do have that project on the books for Hampton and Lawrence to do the restriping and give it a better direction.

You know, the arrows? Yes. Something temporary until something possibly permanent? I don't know.

There's a permanent solution coming to that in the near future.

Awesome. Yep. Awesome. Thank you all so much.

Okay.

Thank you. So please tell the folks they're not forgotten. It just takes a little while. And sometimes it's longer than we expect, but it's in the pipeline. And we get the reputation that we're not doing anything on the north side or the east side or the west side.

Yeah, you're thinking about the sewer project on Pinecrest? The sewer project, the extension in Pinecrest? Yes. Yes. Yes.

OK. Are there any items from Mr. Kirkland, the assistant city manager tonight?

Yes, ma'am. I have just a few. You all already have, of course, our next council meeting on your agenda on the 28th. But I do want to remind you that we'll have the ribbon cutting for phase one of Tribute Parkway on that same day. And that's going to take place at the Master Corporal Sandy Rogers Memorial Roundabout at 2 p.m. Okay. In addition to that, on October the 9th, the Aiken Department of Public Safety has their Blue Night Run. uh scheduled to raise money for the police athletic league so any any way that you could support that would be appreciated and the final thing i've got for you is i just want to thank you for going easy on me tonight you've done great thank you we've all felt very very secure and confident because of you

Before we adjourn, Teresa, were you all concerned about the sewer project? Is that what you, you want to mention that to them?

I just want, I mean, that is a major project. We finally, well, I didn't, but this finally got approved. Right. That project is approved. It's going to be a big improvement for that area. Yeah. So that being said, is there a motion to adjourn this evening's council meeting?

I so move, Madam Mayor, to adjourn. Second. Councilwoman Breaux made the motion.

Price, second. And Councilman Price made the second. All those in favor, please raise your hand. Thank you. It is unanimous. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you very much.